The Indian girls’ team clinched the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-18 Women’s Championship despite losing to Bangladesh 1-0 in the last league match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday.

Aklima Khatun of Bangladesh scored the all-important goal in the 74th minute when her shot from outside the box beat India goalkeeper Melody Chanu.

Both India and Bangladesh finished at nine points but the hosts had the last laugh by virtue of better goal difference.

While India had a goal difference of +11 (13 goals scored and two conceded), Bangladesh were +3 (seven scored and four conceded). Nepal failed to log any point in the three-nation meet.

The Indian girls tried hard on Friday but luck did not favour them.

Shubhangi Singh’s powerful shot as early as in the fifth minute failed to beat Bangladesh custodian Rupna Chakma. Then Nitu Linda’s attempt in the 40th minute hit the woodwork.

India striker Lynda Kom, who scored five goals, was adjudged the player of the tournament.